Can I get mastitis after ebf-ing for 6 mths?

[hereharehere33]

I've looked at the NHS website and its says that mastitis is most common in the first 3 mths. Although we've started weaning, I thought that my LO was feeding just a much, although have done a few mornings at work so the feeds have occasionally been stretched slightly. He still feeds every 3 to 4 hrs at night.

Yesterday, my right breast is tender to touch and feels slightly hard but not lumpy. I'm also feeling a little 'funny', like when you have a temperature (although its reading normal) and achey. I'm completely knackered too, as have been with a decent amount of kip for ages.

Does this sound like mastitis? Or do you think I'm just exhausted!! I've expressed off any extra this morning and taken some paracetamol but still don't feel 100% and all I really want to do is sleep!

Is it possible to get mastitis for the first time after 6 1/2mths of ebf-ing? I thought my supply would be able to cope with a slight change in demand?

TIA

[MrsHathaway]

I got my first bout when my second baby was over six months (so over two years into bfing).

Paracetamol and sympathy, and definitely go back to bed. If it gets hot and sore or you feel worse, go to GP (or OoO if at the weekend) who will likely prescribe antibiotics.

Get well soon

[hereharehere33]

Thanks for your reply. I will try and take it easy but got a toddler to entertain too, so sadly no relaxing in bed, but thank god for Cbeebies!
I'm trying to massage the hard area but its bloody painful. I've been expressing as well to try and get the milk moving but not sure if that's really a good idea as I guess it will increase my supply? Oh the joys!

[MrsHathaway]

I have found that expressing on that side was more painful than feeding from it, but some people feed on the well side and express from the poorly side. You can happily freeze it if you can be arsed with all the sterilising.

CBeebies never killed a toddler. Sofa, duvet, biscuits.

[villainousbroodmare]

That's mastitis. Get the milk out any way you can while waiting to see doc asap.

[welshHairs]

I got mastitis when dd was nearly 1, so yes it can happen. I found dd was naturally trying to avoid the infected breast but I kept putting her to that side as I read it was the best thing to do. I got a terrible fever, felt like the flu. I was on holiday so unable to get to a doctor but it cleared up on it's own after a week or so.

[cosmicgirl99]

Same as Mrs Hathaway here, thought id been lucky then it happened with 2nd baby at 7months. Like others have said, get a doctors appointment asap, antibiotics fixed mine within 48h. And I found hand expressing in a hot bath gave relief before that. Hope you are feeling better soon.